Quartermaster Sgt John Malone RWF - 1800's

My great great Granfather, John Malone, served in the armed forces for 45 years retiring with the RWF in 1893.
In the muster books ,at the National Archives, there was a term "married Establishment" ,apparently his wife and children were added to this in 1870. Can any expert out there advise me of the significance of this ?. Also were the RWF ever stationed in County Down in the 1870s?.
John was the quatermaster sergeant at the barracks in Wrexham for over 25 years , his son was a sergeant major with the RWF .

Thanks for your time,
Mick

Welcome Mick, excellent first post.

As you've probably observed already one of our members Mike McCormack, has a similar ancestry to yourself, His relative rising through the ranks from Fusilier to Capt, eventually dying in India in the early 1880's. He was close to Luke O'Connor VC, both men originated from Ireland.

The 1st Bn was based in Ireland from the 7th Oct 1875 until the 6th May 1879. They were as far south as Dublin and during the period had Companies in Enniskillen and Londonderry. Its possible that they at least would have transited through Co Down.

What else in terms of detail do you know about John Malone and his military service.

Mick,
I have 2nd Battalion RWF as being at 1870 Chatham, 1871 Woolwich, 1872 several postings in Ireland Mullinger, Oldcastle,Kells,Navan,Trim, Sligo and Boyle .1873 Curragh Camp and then sailing for Africa same year.
Hope this helps
Mike
Thanks for the info Al

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mick

there was a term "married Establishment" ,apparently his wife and children were added to this in 1870. Can any expert out there advise me of the significance of this ?.

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Hi Mick

As I understand it, officially, married men were not allowed to enlist, except with special permission. Normally, a man had to have completed 7 years' service and be in possession of at least one good conduct badge in order to be eligible for consideration for the Married Roll. Wives and children, on the married establishment would be housed and fed by the Regiment.

Richard

Thanks everyone for the info. As to John's service record : upon his retirement in 1893 the sergeants mess threw him a farewell party at which he gave his own eyewitness account of the crimea. This speeech is very detailed and quite harrowing!!. In addition I have traced his record from his enlistment at the age of 14 at Limerick in 1848 to his retirement . The Wrexham Advertiser gave a detailed report of his reirement. I have a copy if anyone is interested. John died in 1918 and is buried in Wrexham cemetry.

I've heard of this guy. There was an article in one of the Wrexham papers acouple of years ago. Very interesting.

Mick we would be very happy and privileged to have copies of anything you have relating to John Malone for the site, we have recently opended Research area where these types of documents can be displayed online.